Demand for membranes in the U.S. is projected to increase 7.9% per year through 2018 to $6.2 billion, according to “Membrane Separation Technologies,” a recent study from The Freedonia Group. Advances will be driven by factors that affect the water and wastewater industries, which will record the largest gains through the forecast period. In the more mature municipal segment, growth will stem primarily from demand for replacement membranes for the large existing base of membranes in use, but will also receive a boost from use in desalination plants. 

 

Microfiltration membranes, which provide the coarsest separation of any membrane type, account for the largest share of membrane demand, with a 40% share in 2013. “Microfiltration membranes benefit from relatively low prices compared to other membrane types, as well as use both as a primary treatment method and as a pretreatment step for membranes with finer pores,” said Katherine Brink, analyst. This relatively widespread use in pretreatment means these membranes do not necessarily lose sales even as users shift toward more advanced membranes. 

 

At the other end of the spectrum are reverse osmosis membranes, which have the smallest pores and provide the finest level of separation. Reverse osmosis membranes are used in applications requiring the highest purity fluid streams, including pharmaceuticals and chemicals processing and electronics production, which will experience rapid growth through 2018. As a result, reverse osmosis will be one of the fastest-growing membrane types, advancing at an 8.6% annual rate through 2018 to $1.6 billion.

 

Of the various markets in which membranes are used, water and wastewater treatment accounts for the largest share, with 48% of sales in 2013. Rising concerns about availability of potable water in areas with stressed water resources—particularly in states such as Arizona, California, Florida and Texas—will continue to boost demand for membrane-based desalination and water recycling systems. In addition, solid gains in the production of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and electronics will lead to accelerating demand for membranes to generate ultrapure water.

 

For more information, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.